This comes after Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service recorded that they attended 11 tumble dryer fires in 2014/15 and 7 in 2015/16.

Whirlpool identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015. In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire.

The advice issued by Whirlpool states:

We are activating an extensive consumer outreach and service action plan in order to provide our consumers with products that are updated to higher safety and quality standards. We will arrange a visit from an engineer, free of charge, to modify your appliance. The service call will take approximately one hour. The improvements we believe are necessary will further enhance the safety and quality of your dryer.

In the meantime consumer may continue to use their products, provided that appliances are not left unattended whilst operating. We also remind customers of the need to proper cleaning and maintenance, as outlined in the use manual.

It is important that owners of a Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers check their tumble dryer immediately to find out if their appliance has been affected and follow the advice given by the manufacturer.

During the winter months tumble dryers tend to get used more frequently and we would advise anyone who owns one, no matter what the manufacturer, to undertake regular cleaning and maintenance of their appliance, do not leave it on overnight and do not leave it on whilst you are not in the house.

Running a washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher overnight or while you are out is a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.

A working smoke alarm in the event something does go wrong can be a lifesaver. We recommend that you test your smoke alarm regularly, ideally once a week.

To receive direct home appliance safety notices or recalls, you may like to register with Register My Appliance. They provide up-to-date, accurate contact information for owners who have acquired specific models of appliances, so manufacturers can issue safety updates or repair notifications to the right homes.

With around 400 products recalled each year and manufacturers making hundreds of thousands of items, it is thought millions of dangerous items stay in people’s homes. We therefore encourage you to follow us on Social Media and take part in our #CheckItTuesday campaign. Every Tuesday, we are calling on our followers to “Check It“, requesting them to not only check the appliances in their own home, and the food in their cupboards, but those of their friends, family and neighbours, and to share the recall information published.

If you have concerns regarding the safety of a product please contact us on 03454 040506.

What you should do:

Alternatively, customers can return affected products to any Tesco Superstore or Extra store where a full refund will be given. Please bring a copy of your receipt or recall letter. (Tesco customers who purchased this product will receive a recall letter in the post).

Contact details:

Dimplex Helpline: 0800 028 53 86

Dimplex wish to thank you for you co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.